Learning
At our school, we teach the NSW curriculum and offer many different subjects to support each student’s learning. We know that development of skills in literacy and numeracy are the building blocks for learning and for everyday life. Our teachers use effective teaching strategies to help students achieve their goals.
What students learn
Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.
In Year 7, students at our school will study the following subjects:
- English
- Geography
- History
- Languages
- Mathematics
- Music
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Science
- Technology Mandatory
- Visual Arts
In Year 8, students will study the following mandatory subjects:
- English
- French, Japanese, or Latin
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Science
- Technology Mandatory
- Music
- Visual Arts
In Year 9 and 10, students will study the following mandatory subjects:
- English
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Science
In addition to the above mandatory subjects, students will also study two of the following elective courses:
- Commerce
- Computing Technology
- Design & Technology
- Food Technology
- French, Japanese, Latin
- Music
- Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS)
- Textiles Technology
- Visual Arts
Z Line and 100 hour elective courses and accelerated courses:
- Art of Game Design
- Critical Thinking
- Engineering
- Geography Elective
- Graphics Technology
- Italian Beginners (Accelerated)
- Investigating Science (Accelerated)
- Journalism
- Legal Studies (Accelerated)
- Multimedia Sound & Lighting
- Photographic & Digital Media
- Society and Culture (Accelerated)
- Theatre Studies
Further information about the above subjects can be found in the Stage 5 Subject Selection Booklet
In Year 11, students will undertake twelve units of study.
2-unit courses on offer at North Sydney Girls High School.
- Ancient History
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Economics
- English Advanced
- Food Technology
- French Continuers
- Geography
- Health and Movement Science
- Italian Beginners (HSC Accelerated)
- Japanese Continuers
- Latin Continuers
- Legal Studies (HSC Accelerated)
- Mathematics Advanced
- Modern History
- Music 2
- Physics
- Society and Culture (HSC Accelerated)
- Textiles and Design
- Visual Arts
1-unit courses on offer at North Sydney Girls High School:
- English Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Photography and Digital Media
Further information about the above subjects can be found in the Stage 6 Subject Selection Booklet
In Year 12, students continue the pattern of study from Year 11.
Students can, however, decrease their units of study to a minimum of ten units.
Students may also take up the study of one or more of the following 1-unit extension courses:
- English Extension 2
- French Extension
- History Extension
- Japanese Extension
- Latin Extension
- Mathematics Extension 2
- Music Extension
At North Sydney Girls students can take part in special religious education (SRE) or special education in ethics (SEE) classes.
When enrolling your child, you’ll be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE or SEE are given supervised alternative meaningful activities AMA.
You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just email the school with your preference.
The following SRE/SEE/AMA classes are offered at North Sydney Girls High School.
· Anglican SRE is provided by St Thomas Anglican Church, North Sydney. For more information about Anglican SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit: Anglican Diocese of Sydney, Australian Christian Churches, Baptist Union of NSW, Presbyterian Church of Australia (NSW). Anglican Diocese of Sydney
· Buddhist Studies SRE is provided by Dr Sixin Liao who is a lecturer in Linguistics at Macquarie University, she delivers traditions, values, views and practices of Buddhism. Students develop mindfulness and loving-kindness by learning to think, reflect, explore and create. Buddhist Council of NSW
· Catholic SRE is provided by the Parish of Our Lady of the Way, St Mary's, North Sydney, St Francis Xavier, Lavender Bay, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Kirribilli. For more information about Roman Catholic SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney.
· Combined Islamic SRE is provided by the Australian Islamic Education Services (Chullora) and Islamic Council of NSW (Greenacre) to gain knowledge of Islamic principles, values and life skills. Students develop a positive sense of their identity as Muslims, and are guided towards becoming model members of their communities, please visit Islamic Education
· Primary Ethics is the sole provider of SEE in NSW. For more information about SEE, including authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit Primary Ethics.
Our learning approach
Our school uses explicit teaching. This means we clearly tell students what they are learning, why it is important and how to do it step by step. Explicit teaching helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.
Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive and practical. We are committed to equity and access. We support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies. They take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with best teaching practice.
Our learning approach includes:
- real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas
- technology: to help students learn and build digital skills
- flexible teaching: the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing
- community connections: through excursions and local programs.
Helping students progress
We support every student’s academic progress by:
- checking their progress and giving clear and timely feedback
- setting learning goals with each student
- giving extra help with personalised plans and support from specialist staff
- reporting on each student’s learning progress so parents and carers know how their child is doing
- providing targeted literacy and numeracy support in small groups
- making wellbeing part of everyday learning
- working with families to support learning at home and school
- helping students through transitions, like starting school or moving to a new stage of learning.
Learn more about additional learning support at our school.
Student opportunities and activities
Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.
Our principal and staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.